Researchers in an International Small Business Journal study revealed that “small enterprises are essential contributors to community civic environments.” Business leaders in Escambia County are no exception. They develop talent, invest dollars, and put resources back into the region.

Over time, small businesses can become “legacy entrepreneurs.” Harvy Simkovitz, president of Business Wisdom, refers to this notion of legacy entrepreneurship as leaders who “create stronger bonds with their customers, employees, industries, and communities.” These influencers encourage and empower their team to take part in enhancing the quality of life for others.

Dan Shanholtz, local CEO of TECHSOFT, recalled how 20 years ago several of his company employees began volunteering for the Pensacola Christmas parade. Today TECHSOFT is one of the event’s major sponsors, with several staff serving on its planning committees.

“Our employees decide what charities TECHSOFT become involved with,” Shanholtz said. “We let them guide us toward making the community better.” TECHSOFT is founding member of IT Gulf Coast, a sponsor of the Miracle League, a founding member and sponsor of Innovation Coast, and a sponsor of the ITEN Wired Symposium.

This small business began in Pensacola 26 years ago with one employee, its founding owner Tom Pigoski. He grew the company to its current state of 82 full-time employees, five part-time staff members, and more than 30 sub-contractors who work on projects for the federal government, primarily the Department of Defense.

TECHSOFT is still considered a small business even with 82 full-time employees and an estimated payroll of $4 million expected this year. The SBA defines small business as independent enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2015 show that Escambia County has the following employment sizes:

13,489 firms have less than 20 employees;

6,947 firms have between 20 and 49 employees;

9,525 firms have between 50 and 249 employees;

4,684 firms have between 250 and 499 employees.

Business owners of any size should strive to have a community goal in addition to traditional sales and company goals. To increase chances for success, they must seek professional development partnerships. International Small Business Journal researchers emphasized that “networking of employee training leads to development opportunities, improvement of management, advancements in work practices, productivity and use of technology.”

When small business owners aim their focus on community, they gain “increased vigor” along with more possibilities to “affect change.”

TECHSOFT recognizes the importance of being an ally with local economic growth organizations. They partner with groups such as Florida West, Workforce EscaRosa, and the Florida SBDC at UWF. They serve on multiple school boards and educational teams. For one small business, TECHSOFT has a long outreach arm with positive ripple effects of goodwill.

Shanholtz affirmed that TECHSOFT’s owner was compelled to begin business in Pensacola and they plan to stay. Pigoski retired from the Navy here and was captivated by local lifestyle. He also recognized the talented applicant pool he could employ and train nearby.

His business is a legacy entrepreneur. Others can follow suit. As Simkovitz declared, businesses, although small, can seek ways to “create significance and lasting value for their corner of the world.”

The northwest Florida corner has a long list of difference makers. The Pensacola News Journal will be showcasing them in Be Local. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from business legacy builders.